A West Hampstead fish cafe has gone from a zero food hygiene rating to the top score of five, just over a month after inspectors said major improvement was needed and the business closed its doors.
The Wet Fish Cafe in West End Lane was visited by Camden Council’s food hygiene inspectors on October 2, who ruled that “major improvement” was needed in all three areas they assess.
That includes hygienic handling of food — including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage; cleanliness and condition of facilities and building — including ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control; and management of food safety.
The cafe closed temporarily but is now open again and was re-inspected by Camden Council on Wednesday (November 11). It now has a five out of five food hygiene rating.
Key facts
- Where: The Wet Fish Cafe, 242 West End Lane, West Hampstead
- October 2: Camden Council inspectors award a zero rating, saying major improvement is needed in all three areas
- Afterwards: The cafe closes voluntarily to fix the problems
- November 11: Re-inspection awards the top rating of five
- Owner: Payam Zahedi, who bought the cafe in September 2025
“We went beyond what was asked of us”
Payam Zahedi, who bought the cafe in September 2025 from its founder André Millodot, said she was “pleased” that following the re-inspection “The Wet Fish has been awarded the top food hygiene rating of 5”.
She added: “When I took over The Wet Fish last year, I was not satisfied with our previous rating of 3, so I applied to the council for a re-rating.
“At an inspection in October, Camden identified issues we needed to address. We chose to close voluntarily straight away, worked closely with the council, and went beyond what was asked of us.
“Today’s re-inspection has awarded us the top rating of 5, matching our sister restaurant in Primrose Hill. This result reflects the hard work and commitment of our whole team.
“The Wet Fish has been part of West Hampstead for 23 years, and we are grateful to our loyal customers for their support. We look forward to welcoming everyone back.”
A West Hampstead institution
The shop at 242 West End Lane operated as a fishmongers under various names before it was turned into the Wet Fish Cafe by Canadian owner André Millodot alongside partners Anel and Wayne.
Millodot ran it for 23 years as a brasserie, music venue and cafe before selling up in 2025 to Ms Zahedi, who opened a second location in Primrose Hill in May this year.
Over the years The Wet Fish Cafe in West End Lane has won fans including local resident Dame Emma Thompson, who has name-checked it among her favourite places to eat out.
The turnaround comes after the cafe was given the zero rating in October. Zero ratings are far from rare across the capital — hundreds of London food businesses hold a zero hygiene rating — but few climb back to the top score within weeks of closing to put things right.
